Nestled on a rocky clifftop with views of Funchal harbour and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira, is thrilled to unveil its first Ocean Week 2024: running from 21-27 October. A week-long event of exceptional new and existing marine excursions in celebration of the island’s breathtaking coastline, its rich marine diversity and ocean preservation.

Exclusively for this week and to further cement its commitment to Madeira’s marine wildlife, Reid’s Palace has partnered with Sea Legacy Collective co-founder, ocean conservationist and photographer Andy Mann to host a series of unparalleled guest experiences for nature lovers. These include special trips to the remote and breathtaking Desertas Islands and the launch of a photographic exhibition across the hotel, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of the endangered Mediterranean monk seals in their natural habitat.

This combination of exploration and education underscores Ocean Week’s dedication to fostering meaningful engagement with impactful conservation initiatives. Embracing its unique position at the water's edge, Reid’s Palace invites its guests to delve into the vibrant ecosystems of Madeira. Whether navigating crystal-clear waters or witnessing the splendour of monk seals in their native surroundings during bespoke boat trips, Ocean Week at Reid’s Palace promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of ocean preservation.

AN EXCLUSIVE EXPERT-LED VOYAGE TO THE DESERTAS ISLANDS

Reid's Palace has long provided guests with exceptional marine excursions including boat trips, whale and dolphin watching and water sports adventures. On 23 and 25 October, as part of Ocean Week's highlight events, participants will have the opportunity to embark on a yacht excursion to the Desertas Islands, hosted exclusively by Andy Mann who’ll impart his unique knowledge on local marine life discoveries and conservation initiatives. Attendees will revel in the natural beauty of Madeira’s archipelago and contribute directly to regional conservation efforts as 20% of the proceeds from this experience support the VECLAM, Madeira’s official surveillance and conservation project with the vital mission of safeguarding these endangered precious seals.

The “Voyage to the Desertas” continues as an all-year round experience, offering guests the opportunity to explore the habitat of Europe’s largest colony of Mediterranean monk seals. 

MEET ZARCO: REID’S PALACE’S MASCOT AND ADOPTED MONK SEAL

Conservation is at the heart of Ocean’s Week, most specifically Mediterranean Monk seals with only a few hundred left worldwide, they are one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. As such, their presence around Madeira's waters highlights both their scarcity and the local’s responsibility to protect them. Reid’s Palace kicks off a new partnership with VECLAM, an organisation pivotal to the preservation of monk seals through extensive research, habitat protection, and educational campaigns aimed at fostering sustainable coexistence.

In a meaningful gesture that intertwines historical homage with conservation efforts, Reid’s Palace has adopted Zarco, a Mediterranean monk seal who has served as the emblematic mascot for the hotel for many years. As part of this adoption initiative, Reid’s Palace actively contributes to VECLAM's research fund and participates in their outreach programme raising awareness about monk seal conservation among guests, underscoring its commitment to protect the species and preserve their habitats long into the future.

Since 1988, these conservation efforts have seen monk seal numbers within the Madeira archipelago grow from just eight to around thirty today, quadrupling its population since VECLAM’s inception. These seals now find sanctuary on Desertas Islands, an important refuge showcasing the success of sustained conservation efforts

ANDY MANN JOINS OCEAN WEEK 2024

Acclaimed National Geographic photographer, Emmy-nominated director, and twelve-time Telly Award winner Andy Mann brings his experience to Ocean Week 2024 at Reid’s Palace, having contributed significantly to global marine protection efforts – including helping protect over one million square kilometres of ocean space.

Guests will have the opportunity to engage with Andy's impactful storytelling through his photo exhibition depicting Madeira's unique marine environment, available across the property. Opening on 21 October, Ocean Week will kick-off with a special talk by Andy Mann about his vision and experiences in oceanic exploration followed by a cocktail celebration in the hotel’s Palm Gardens.

"I am honoured to partner with Reid's Palace for Ocean Week 2024," says Andy Mann. 'Having worked around Portugal's Atlantic islands for the last decade aiding in establishing the North Atlantic's largest marine Protected Area, collaborating with Reid's Palace on narratives supporting VECLAM and safeguarding endangered monk seals on Desertas Islands was an immediate yes for me! '"

Room rates at Reid's Palace during Ocean week start at €880 for a Deluxe Junior Suite, including breakfast. The “Voyage to the Desertas” experience is available at €600 per person, with 20% of proceeds supporting the VECLAM Project. All hotel guests are invited to attend the complimentary photo exhibition and cocktail launch event. For more information or bookings, please visit belmond.com/Reid's Palace, or contact +351 291 717 171.